Bronchitis in Dogs

Here is our sweet yellow lab, Goldy, with our sweet friend Mariah.
It is easy to see the love between these two girls! ♥

This weekend our sweet lab got really sick! We have all been so worried about her!!! I really thought it was the end for her...thankfully, after a trip to the Vet, that is not the case! whew! She has bronchitis!!! So after three or four shots of anti~inflammatory, antibiotics and a prescription of narcotics, she is home resting well and not coughing or having trouble breathing. Poor girl!! Here is some info. on bronchitis in dogs! Who knew!?!!

The Telltale Cough
Constant coughing is the most recognizable symptom of canine bronchitis. The cough will usually get worse when you take your dog for a walk or if she does any energetic playing, and it may be worse at some times of day than others. Sometimes dogs will become so short of breath that you can actually see a bluish tinge to their tongue and gums, though if your dog is a Chow or Chow mix, this blue tinge is likely permanent. Dogs with very severe cases of bronchitis may become so worn out by coughing that it causes them to faint.
Difficulty with Breathing
A dog with bronchitis will often be short of breath and may gasp or wheeze as he struggles to get enough air. He may also breathe very rapid, shallow breaths, a symptom known as tachypnea.
Retching and Gagging
Bronchitis breathing difficulties can also cause dogs to retch and gag. It may sound as if your dog is actually going to vomit, but she is just trying to clear the mucus from her throat.
Loss of Appetite
Dogs with bronchitis often experience a marked decrease in appetite and may lose a significant amount of weight. As sudden weight loss can be symptomatic of any number of serious conditions, however, it is important to have your dog thoroughly examined by your vet to rule out other possible causes.
General Lethargy
Lethargy is another symptom than can result from almost anything that ails your dog. If he is exhibiting other symptoms of bronchitis, particularly the chronic cough, the lethargy may well be due to the constant struggle to breathe, but it is still important to have a complete veterinary exam to eliminate other possibilities. Coughing may also be symptomatic of heartworm, and if that is the diagnosis, you dog will need treatment right away as heartworm, unlike bronchitis, is often fatal.